For whatever reason, this series seems incapable of putting together two good episodes in a row. Unlike the last episode, which introduced a new character and moved the plot forward significantly, this episode focused on what we already knew and why they are doing what they are doing. With that said, this episode did open a few new interesting doors as Miran finally learned of Ryner’s connection to Sion, and it seems like the Rule Fragment will play some sort of pivotal role in the series.
It seems like everyone in this series loves to hear themselves talk, except for Kuu and that's what I love about her.
One interesting tidbit we got from both the opening scene and the lead up to this fight is that the power of the Alpha Stigma can be harnessed, perhaps in the form of a Rule Fragment. While I suppose you could have inferred this from a previous episode, I believe that this was the first time it was explicitly stated. This information opens the door to a lot of interesting plot twists in the future. While Ryner states that he would like to spare Arua from the life of an Alpha Stigma bearer if he could, there are other possible applications. The most notable possibility is some sort of FMA Brotherhood type of ending where Ryner gives up his powers at the end of the series for some higher purpose, but that would be pretty cheap in my opinion. Another possible scenario is that Miran, who has also witnessed the Rule Fragment’s power, will try to acquire the knowledge needed to use it, should he need to defeat Ryner. These are only guesses, but it is something to keep an eye on given the amount of screen time the concept has received.
One on One training with Ferris. One lucky kid.
As for the fight itself, this episode continued the long running trend of blank spaces, but I suppose this is just something I will have to learn to live with. Perhaps as a result, this “fight’s” focus was not on the action, but an unnecessarily long conversation between Sui and Ryner about their respective kings that didn’t offer anything new. For whatever reason, this series has to make absolutely clear we understand what the moral center/theme of this show is. But honestly, how could you not get it by now? The actual 5 seconds of the fight with action was pretty good. Ferris using the ice wall as an elevator was actually pretty cool.
Miran interrupting the battle wasn’t that big of a surprise given he was already in Runa, but they way he did so was a bit of a surprise. Perhaps the devil actually has a heart, as I can’t think of any other reason for him to wait until Sui almost killed Kuku to attack, especially considering there were ample chances to catch the pink haired siblings off guard. Looking at the bigger picture though, Miran now knows that Roland and Ferris are working for Sion and vice versa. His reaction to this was a bit perplexing, as I don’t think he understands why Sion has up his sleeve, but to be honest I don’t think Sion actually had any big plan for the legendary relics as he was surprised they actually existed.
One confusing thing for me at least was the timeframe between the beginning of the episode and the fight at the manor. Perhaps the novel draws things out a bit more, but I thought it would take Ferris longer than a millisecond to train Arua to the point he would be able to help them in their fight, even if he was only used as a part of a specially conceived plan. Now that the dynamic duo have saved Kuku, it seems like they want to drop these two kids off ASAP, and I can only saw thank god. Since their introduction, nothing of interest has happened to Ferris and Ryner, which has really hurt the show given that they are its core. Hopefully, they two kids get placed in the care of Milk and her comrades as I can only see hilarity ensuing from that situation.
Leaving two kids with these fools. I smell a spin off.
I have to agree on the training Arua bit. I mean… did he even need martial arts training when they pretty much were gonna head toward the mansion in less than a day? XD
I also second the notion that nothing really interesting has happened with Ryner and Ferris. All they’ve done is run around, mess up a few towns, cause some havock and meet some people.
Not much has really happened on their front, which baffles me, cause there’s a lot that COULD have. On the side, Scion actually has had A LOT happen to him. It seems that the main event in the series will also be the war between Roland and Gastark, and by extension, Scion and Refael.
there certainly are a lot of similarities between Gastark and Roland aside from the respective kings. Ryner and Ferris have had a lot of interaction with the pink haired siblings and Miran fought someone last episode with the exact same type of legendary relic.
It will be interesting to see what role the characters from Roland, who don’t have a Gastark counterpart will do. I’m really looking forward to see what roles, if any, Kiefer and Milk will play in upcoming episodes, as they seem pretty important.